HEY CHURCH! DON'T YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?
- Key Verse
- "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16)
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Central Truth
The Church is the holy dwelling place of God and we must protect it.
Reflections
Not too long ago, I was babysitting our six-year-old twin grandsons. They were tired and grumpy. Before I knew it, the boys were fighting and name calling. It was not a good day. It was time to have a heart to heart talk. I set them at the kitchen table and looked right into their eyes. I went over the things I knew had been happening between them. In my "sweetest" Mimi voice, I told them this kind of behavior will not be tolerated and that we don't act like this in the Molder family. They countered with numerous excuses.I stopped the excuses mid-sentence asking them a bold question. "HEY GUYS, DON'T YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?" In typical twin fashion, they answered in unison, "WE ARE MOLDERS!" We went on to discuss what it means to be a Molder. Molders know and love Jesus, and Molders love each other. From that point on, when they are at our house and they are tempted to fight or name call, I hear them catch themselves before it goes too far. One will remind the other, "Remember, we don't act like that. WE ARE MOLDERS!"
In 1 Corinthians chapters 1-3, Paul talks heart to heart, strongly admonishing the Corinthians about problems of division and worldly wisdom in the church. But in 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul slams on the brakes and asks a bold question, "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" He was asking them, "HEY CHURCH, DON'T YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?" Even as adults, we need to be reminded of the basics: The church is the holy dwelling place of God. Then Paul declares, ". . . for the temple of God is holy and that is what you are." (1 Corinthians 3:17) Wow, sometimes a simple reminder is all we need to change our behavior! Paul's message is the same for us today; the church is the holy dwelling place of God and we must build it up, not tear it down.
Discussion Questions
- What are some reasons we forget who we are as believers?
- Can you think of a time when your spiritual life was off track? What put you back on track?
- Who in your life needs to be reminded of the Truth found in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17? When will you offer them this encouraging reminder?
- What practical steps will you take to help you remember who you are according to scripture?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Grace Community Church.
Karen Goins
April 21, 2010 09:44 AM
HEY,CINDY!...Thanks for the reminder! I loved reading your devotion and picturing your words of wisdom from Paul sinking into those sweet little twin heads! It also sunk into my own little head! Love you. Karen
Karen
April 23, 2010 11:05 AM
Don't you know who you are? I love this! Thank you for making a simple question mean so many different things: 1) Step up! 2) You are the one I love. 3) You are the one who is called. 4) You are better than who you are at this moment - act like it! And by asking this question of others, most importantly, you show that you care.